Research
Mixed
Regular moderate-intensity physical activity (e.g., walking) reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in a dose-dependent manner, with more intense or frequent exercise providing further risk reduction.
To protect your heart, engage in regular physical activity. You do not need to run marathons; walking at a moderate pace (where you breathe harder and feel warm) is effective. If you are able, increasing the intensity to running, doing it more frequently, or extending the duration will further lower your risk.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease in a dose-dependent manner. Benefits are seen with regular moderate-intensity physical activity, e.g. walking, but more intense exercise, e.g. running, carried out more often and for longer episodes can decrease risk even further.
Why this rating
The paper states it is 'well established' and cites dose-dependent relationships, though it is a briefing paper summarizing evidence rather than a primary trial.
Source
Physical activity and health
Lisa M Miles · Nutrition Bulletin · 2007
DOI 10.1111/j.1467-3010.2007.00668.x
narrative_reviewCited 302×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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